US military claims completion of seven-hour strike campaign against Iranian targets

WASHINGTON: The United States military says it has completed a new seven-hour phase of air and naval operations against Iranian military targets, claiming to have struck dozens of missile and drone sites while also resuming a naval blockade around Iranian ports.

According to a statement issued by US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation began at 10:00 p.m. on July 14 and concluded on the morning of July 15.

CENTCOM said the coordinated operation involved fighter aircraft, armed drones and US Navy warships, which targeted multiple missile launch sites, drone facilities, coastal defense systems and naval capabilities near Iran’s coastline and the Strait of Hormuz.

The US military stated that the objective of the operation was to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten international commercial shipping and maritime security in the region.

US officials also confirmed that the US Navy has reimposed a naval blockade on vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas, with enforcement beginning at 4:00 p.m. on July 14.

In its statement, CENTCOM accused Iranian security forces of attacking seven commercial vessels in the region over the past week, claiming the incidents resulted in the deaths, disappearances or serious injuries of around 12 civilian crew members.

The US military further alleged that Iran had launched dozens of missiles and drones toward neighboring Gulf countries, saying those actions prompted Washington to carry out the latest military operation.